DAYTON, Ohio - Austin Carr had the ball at the top of the key. A pump-fake got the defender in the air, and then Carr stepped in and shot a leaner from 20 feet away. The ball hit the back of the rim and bounced high, higher than the height of the backboard, before falling straight through the hoop. Carr put up his arms and smiled as he jogged back up court. That's just the way things had been going for him that day.
Carr was often unstoppable during his collegiate career at Notre Dame, averaging more than 34 points a game overall and a stunning 50 points per game in NCAA tournament games. But he was never better than he was on March 7, 1970, when he scored an NCAA tournament record 61 points in Notre Dame's first-round victory over Ohio University.
Carr started the game off on fire and never cooled down. Many of his early baskets came on short jumpers from the side, often with him seemingly wide open. Once Ohio woke up and started sending people to guard him more closely, he still kept making shots. At halftime, Carr had 35 points and Notre Dame had a 52-37 lead.
It was more of the same in the second half. Ohio was able to guard Carr a little closer, but that just allowed him a better showcase for his offensive prowess. From layups to jumpers, using the right hand or the left, on the fast break or in offensive sets, Carr scored every way imaginable - except from the three-point line, as there was no such line in college basketball in those days.
Late in the game, a pair of free-throws gave Carr 59 points, letting him break the NCAA tournament record set by Princeton's Bill Bradley in 1965. Carr had one more basket in him - the jumper from the top of the key - to end the game with 61 points. Notre Dame's 112-82 victory gave them a matchup against Kentucky in the second round. Carr was brilliant again in that game, scoring 52, but it wasn't enough this time as the Irish fell 109-99.
When Carr graduated from Notre Dame, he was the fifth-leading scorer in NCAA basketball history and only the second, after Pete Maravich to score 1,000 points in a single season. After he was drafted by Cleveland in the NBA draft, injuries prevented Carr from playing to his full potential in the NBA, but his 61-point outburst is still the NCAA tournament's single-game record.
Showing posts with label Notre Dame. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Notre Dame. Show all posts
Monday, March 7, 2011
Wednesday, January 19, 2011
January 19, 1974: 88
SOUTH BEND, Ind. - It was 70-59, 3:39 left in the game. It didn't look like there would be any miracles today. Notre Dame wouldn't be waking up the echoes against UCLA. Time to lick their wounds, accept their first loss of the season with grace, and get ready for the rematch next week. But what the heck - there was nothing to lose, so Notre Dame pressed, got right up in UCLA's face. If the Bruins were going to win, the Irish might as well make them earn it.
But something funny happened in that final 3:39 in South Bend. The unshakable, unstoppable UCLA team, the team that hadn't lost in 88 games, the team that had won seven straight national championships - that team started to panic.
Facing a full-court press and a frenetic road crowd, the Bruins started committing turnovers, running into each other. When they did get a shot off, it would miss wildly. They looked nothing like college basketball's greatest dynasty. They looked like a team not used to winning.
Notre Dame, meanwhile, kept coming back, kept making the shots that UCLA was missing. the lead was cut to nine, then seven, then five. Then everybody started to see what was happening, started to believe in the impossible.
UCLA hadn't lost a basketball game since January 23, 1971, losing to Notre Dame on this very floor. Their streak of 88 straight wins included four wins over the Irish, by 58, 25, 26, and 19 points. When they broke the NCAA record of 60 consecutive victories, their 61st straight was over Notre Dame. Aside from their conference opponents, nobody had suffered under UCLA's greatness more than Notre Dame. And now, the Fighting Irish were fighting back.
Trailing by five, Notre Dame's Gary Brokaw made two straight jump shots, cutting the Irish deficit to 70-69 with 1:10 left. That was still a lifetime in basketball terms, but UCLA wasn't playing anywhere near to its capabilities. Who knew if they'd be able to stem the tide. Keith Wilkes seemed to have done just that with a layup with 45 seconds left, but he was called for travelling. Notre Dame ball.
The Irish tried to get the ball to center John Shumate for the go-ahead basket, but UCLA smothered him. Open in the corner, though, was Dwight Clay, who had gone only 1-for-4 in the game. However, Clay had won three different games for Notre Dame that year with final-second shots. He was the man to take the huge shot, and there was bedlam when it went in.
Notre Dame led 71-70, having scored the last 12 points of the game. UCLA had 29 seconds left to try to take the lead. A really long time. How much can you do in 29 seconds?
If you're UCLA, you can see a player take a long jump shot and have it hit the back rim and bounce out. You have time to have two of your players try to tip the rebound in but miss, and you have time to see the ball bound out of bounds off a Notre Dame player. You have time to pass the ball in to the great Bill Walton, who had played the entire game after missing the previous three, and who had missed only one shot all game. But even he wasn't immune to the late-game struggles, and his shot came off the rim, too. There was still enough time for two more tip attempts, but by then it seemed like a foregone conclusion. Shumate grabbed the final rebound, the buzzer sounded, and Notre Dame had its biggest win in school history.
But something funny happened in that final 3:39 in South Bend. The unshakable, unstoppable UCLA team, the team that hadn't lost in 88 games, the team that had won seven straight national championships - that team started to panic.
Facing a full-court press and a frenetic road crowd, the Bruins started committing turnovers, running into each other. When they did get a shot off, it would miss wildly. They looked nothing like college basketball's greatest dynasty. They looked like a team not used to winning.
Notre Dame, meanwhile, kept coming back, kept making the shots that UCLA was missing. the lead was cut to nine, then seven, then five. Then everybody started to see what was happening, started to believe in the impossible.
UCLA hadn't lost a basketball game since January 23, 1971, losing to Notre Dame on this very floor. Their streak of 88 straight wins included four wins over the Irish, by 58, 25, 26, and 19 points. When they broke the NCAA record of 60 consecutive victories, their 61st straight was over Notre Dame. Aside from their conference opponents, nobody had suffered under UCLA's greatness more than Notre Dame. And now, the Fighting Irish were fighting back.
Trailing by five, Notre Dame's Gary Brokaw made two straight jump shots, cutting the Irish deficit to 70-69 with 1:10 left. That was still a lifetime in basketball terms, but UCLA wasn't playing anywhere near to its capabilities. Who knew if they'd be able to stem the tide. Keith Wilkes seemed to have done just that with a layup with 45 seconds left, but he was called for travelling. Notre Dame ball.
The Irish tried to get the ball to center John Shumate for the go-ahead basket, but UCLA smothered him. Open in the corner, though, was Dwight Clay, who had gone only 1-for-4 in the game. However, Clay had won three different games for Notre Dame that year with final-second shots. He was the man to take the huge shot, and there was bedlam when it went in.Notre Dame led 71-70, having scored the last 12 points of the game. UCLA had 29 seconds left to try to take the lead. A really long time. How much can you do in 29 seconds?
If you're UCLA, you can see a player take a long jump shot and have it hit the back rim and bounce out. You have time to have two of your players try to tip the rebound in but miss, and you have time to see the ball bound out of bounds off a Notre Dame player. You have time to pass the ball in to the great Bill Walton, who had played the entire game after missing the previous three, and who had missed only one shot all game. But even he wasn't immune to the late-game struggles, and his shot came off the rim, too. There was still enough time for two more tip attempts, but by then it seemed like a foregone conclusion. Shumate grabbed the final rebound, the buzzer sounded, and Notre Dame had its biggest win in school history.
Sunday, November 21, 2010
November 21, 1931: Trojan march
SOUTH BEND, Ind. - It had been three years since Notre Dame had last lost a game when the Southern California Trojans traveled to South Bend for the first time. The Irish were playing in only their second season in Notre Dame Stadium, and their first season without coach Knute Rockne, who had died in a plane crash in March.
USC had been the last team to beat Notre Dame, and they came in to South Bend expected to give Notre Dame a close game. With 52,000 in attendance, Notre Dame took a 14-0 lead going into the fourth quarter. The Trojans started to come back, scoring twice to cut the lead to 14-13, but a blocked extra point attempt after their second touchdown seemed to doom them.
The Trojans kept marching, though, getting a final-minute field goal from Johnny Baxter for a 16-14 victory. It was Notre Dame's first loss in Notre Dame Stadium.
The victory sent the Trojans climbing up the national rankings. Despite having one loss entering the Notre Dame game, USC ended the season with the number 1 ranking in football, a significant milestone as it was the first time a specific formula, based on strength of schedule, among other factors, was used to determine the rankings. Unbeaten Tulane was ranked No. 2. At the end of the season, the Rose Bowl invited USC and Tulane to play each other to settle the argument; USC won 21-12.
USC had been the last team to beat Notre Dame, and they came in to South Bend expected to give Notre Dame a close game. With 52,000 in attendance, Notre Dame took a 14-0 lead going into the fourth quarter. The Trojans started to come back, scoring twice to cut the lead to 14-13, but a blocked extra point attempt after their second touchdown seemed to doom them.
The Trojans kept marching, though, getting a final-minute field goal from Johnny Baxter for a 16-14 victory. It was Notre Dame's first loss in Notre Dame Stadium.
The victory sent the Trojans climbing up the national rankings. Despite having one loss entering the Notre Dame game, USC ended the season with the number 1 ranking in football, a significant milestone as it was the first time a specific formula, based on strength of schedule, among other factors, was used to determine the rankings. Unbeaten Tulane was ranked No. 2. At the end of the season, the Rose Bowl invited USC and Tulane to play each other to settle the argument; USC won 21-12.
Tuesday, November 16, 2010
November 16, 1957: Streak over
NORMAN, Okla. - It had been four years, 47 games, since Oklahoma had lost a college football game. It had been even longer, 123 games and 12 years, since the Sooners had been shut out in a game. So as their punt sailed into the Notre Dame end zone with about six minutes to play in the game, it was shocking to look up at the scoreboard to see a score of 0-0.
It was shocking not just because of Oklahoma's recent history, but also because of Notre Dame's. The Irish had lost to Oklahoma 40-0 the previous year and entered their game against on November 16, 1957, on a two-game losing streak, something to which Notre Dame was very unfamiliar. The Irish were 18-point underdogs to the mighty Sooners.
Throughout the game, the Irish defense held strong, letting Oklahoma get drive into Notre Dame territory before strengthening. Oklahoma's best scoring chance was a drive that stalled at the 3 yard line in the first quarter. Notre Dame's offense, though, rarely had a chance to capitalize, as Oklahoma punts kept pinning Notre Dame deep in its own territory. The closest the Irish came to scoring came in the second quarter, with another drive that stalled at the 3.
And so the game remained scoreless as Oklahoma punted away in the fourth quarter. Starting at the 20, Notre Dame started methodically marching up the field, never busting a big play but never getting stuffed, either. Soon, Notre Dame had first and goal without having thrown a pass. Seeing their streak in jeopardy, Oklahoma stiffened. The Irish were stuffed on three straight runs up the middle, setting up fourth and goal. Instead of kicking the field goal, the Irish went for it again, this time running around right end. Dick Lynch ran in untouched, and the ensuing conversion gave Notre Dame a 7-0 lead.
Now it was Oklahoma's last chance. The crowd, expecting the kind of last-minute touchdown that had become Oklahoma's trademark during its streak, watched in horror as Notre Dame intercepted a last-ditch drive. After being shocked into silence, the crowd rose to give a standing ovation, to Oklahoma in recognition of the two great streaks that ended that day, and to Notre Dame for a job well done.
With the loss, Oklahoma coach Bud Wilkinson saw his career record drop to 101-8-3. Oklahoma's streak of 47 straight wins remains the all-time college football record.
It was shocking not just because of Oklahoma's recent history, but also because of Notre Dame's. The Irish had lost to Oklahoma 40-0 the previous year and entered their game against on November 16, 1957, on a two-game losing streak, something to which Notre Dame was very unfamiliar. The Irish were 18-point underdogs to the mighty Sooners.
Throughout the game, the Irish defense held strong, letting Oklahoma get drive into Notre Dame territory before strengthening. Oklahoma's best scoring chance was a drive that stalled at the 3 yard line in the first quarter. Notre Dame's offense, though, rarely had a chance to capitalize, as Oklahoma punts kept pinning Notre Dame deep in its own territory. The closest the Irish came to scoring came in the second quarter, with another drive that stalled at the 3.
And so the game remained scoreless as Oklahoma punted away in the fourth quarter. Starting at the 20, Notre Dame started methodically marching up the field, never busting a big play but never getting stuffed, either. Soon, Notre Dame had first and goal without having thrown a pass. Seeing their streak in jeopardy, Oklahoma stiffened. The Irish were stuffed on three straight runs up the middle, setting up fourth and goal. Instead of kicking the field goal, the Irish went for it again, this time running around right end. Dick Lynch ran in untouched, and the ensuing conversion gave Notre Dame a 7-0 lead.
Now it was Oklahoma's last chance. The crowd, expecting the kind of last-minute touchdown that had become Oklahoma's trademark during its streak, watched in horror as Notre Dame intercepted a last-ditch drive. After being shocked into silence, the crowd rose to give a standing ovation, to Oklahoma in recognition of the two great streaks that ended that day, and to Notre Dame for a job well done.
With the loss, Oklahoma coach Bud Wilkinson saw his career record drop to 101-8-3. Oklahoma's streak of 47 straight wins remains the all-time college football record.
Saturday, November 13, 2010
November 13, 1993: Irish rising
SOUTH BEND, Ind. - It was hyped as the Game of the Century - not to be confused with earlier Games of the Century. Top ranked and undefeated Florida State traveled to South Bend to take on second ranked and undefeated Notre Dame. It was one of the most anticipated regular-season college football games in years, with the added excitement of Notre Dame being one of the two teams participating.
Even though Notre Dame had the home-field advantage and the superior tradition, they were still considered significant underdogs to the powerful Seminoles. Led by soon-to-be Heisman winner Charlie Ward, Florida State was an offensive powerhouse. They had gotten this close to national prominence before, playing Miami in a No. 1 vs. No. 2 matchup in 1991. Florida State lost that game on a missed field goal on the final play, the Seminoles had been looking for retribution ever since.
Notre Dame, meanwhile, hadn't been No. 1 since 1988, a five-year stretch that seemed like a long time for the tradition-laden school. This game against Florida State was their chance to leap into the top spot, and with only one regular-season game left to play after it, the Irish had a great chance at being No. 1 entering their bowl game.
Notre Dame took control of the game in the second quarter, taking a 21-7 lead into the locker room at halftime, the Irish kept their lead, matching Florida State's 10 second half points with 10 of their own. Late in the game, the Irish still had a 14-point lead.
With their backs against the wall, Florida State began the comeback. Led by the running of Lee Becton and the clutch passing of Ward, Florida State drove down field. On fourth and 20, Ward Kez McCorvey for a touchdown to cut the lead to 31-24 with 1:39 left. Rather than onside kick after the touchdown, Florida State coach Bobby Bowden kicked away, perhaps knowing the Seminoles would get the ball back. And get it back they did, forcing a three-and-out and giving them one more chance.
It only took Ward three plays to get the ball down to the Irish 14 with three seconds to play. He took the snap, rolled out to avoid a rusher, and calmly fired into the end zone.
As the ball fell incomplete, and as Notre Dame players and fans rushed the field to celebrate, Florida State players dropped their heads. For the second time in three years, they had played in a No. 1 vs. No. 2 matchup as an undefeated team, and for the second time, they had lost on the final play.
Meanwhile, Notre Dame was jubilant, having reclaimed the No. 1 spot that the school considered to be its birthright. Their joy only lasted one week, though, as the Irish were stunned by Boston College the following week on a final-play field goal. The Irish haven't been ranked No. 1 since.
Even though Notre Dame had the home-field advantage and the superior tradition, they were still considered significant underdogs to the powerful Seminoles. Led by soon-to-be Heisman winner Charlie Ward, Florida State was an offensive powerhouse. They had gotten this close to national prominence before, playing Miami in a No. 1 vs. No. 2 matchup in 1991. Florida State lost that game on a missed field goal on the final play, the Seminoles had been looking for retribution ever since.
Notre Dame, meanwhile, hadn't been No. 1 since 1988, a five-year stretch that seemed like a long time for the tradition-laden school. This game against Florida State was their chance to leap into the top spot, and with only one regular-season game left to play after it, the Irish had a great chance at being No. 1 entering their bowl game.
Notre Dame took control of the game in the second quarter, taking a 21-7 lead into the locker room at halftime, the Irish kept their lead, matching Florida State's 10 second half points with 10 of their own. Late in the game, the Irish still had a 14-point lead.
With their backs against the wall, Florida State began the comeback. Led by the running of Lee Becton and the clutch passing of Ward, Florida State drove down field. On fourth and 20, Ward Kez McCorvey for a touchdown to cut the lead to 31-24 with 1:39 left. Rather than onside kick after the touchdown, Florida State coach Bobby Bowden kicked away, perhaps knowing the Seminoles would get the ball back. And get it back they did, forcing a three-and-out and giving them one more chance.
It only took Ward three plays to get the ball down to the Irish 14 with three seconds to play. He took the snap, rolled out to avoid a rusher, and calmly fired into the end zone.
As the ball fell incomplete, and as Notre Dame players and fans rushed the field to celebrate, Florida State players dropped their heads. For the second time in three years, they had played in a No. 1 vs. No. 2 matchup as an undefeated team, and for the second time, they had lost on the final play.
Meanwhile, Notre Dame was jubilant, having reclaimed the No. 1 spot that the school considered to be its birthright. Their joy only lasted one week, though, as the Irish were stunned by Boston College the following week on a final-play field goal. The Irish haven't been ranked No. 1 since.
Thursday, November 11, 2010
November 11, 1944: Mr. Inside and Mr. Outside
BRONX, N.Y. - "I've just seen Superman in the flesh. He wears number 35 and goes by the name of Blanchard."
So wrote Notre Dame Ed McKeever on his way back from New York in 1944. There's no wonder he was in awe: His fifth-ranked Notre Dame team had just been humiliated by top-ranked Army, 59-0, led by one of the most prolific duos in college football history.
Felix "Doc" Blanchard and Glenn Davis played together at West Point from 1944-1946. During that time, Army went 27-0-1, the only blemish being a 0-0 tie against Notre Dame in 1946. Army did have an athletic advantage during this era - most college football teams had greatly reduced rosters during the height of the war, while all the best athletes were suiting up for the service acadamies - but it was Blanchard and Davis that gave them the true advantage.
Blanchard, the fullback, was known as "Mr. Inside," punishing opponents with straight-ahead runs that couldn't be stopped. Blanchard would win the Heisman Trophy in 1945 and ended his Army career with 38 touchdowns.
Davis, though, was even more prolific. "Mr. Outside" would win the Heisman in 1946 and finished his career with 59 touchdowns, averaging a still-standing record of 8.3 yards per carry during his career. In 1945, he averaged 11.5 yards per rush, a single-season record - and remember, his teammate Blanchard won the Heisman that year, not Davis.
Blanchard and Davis combined total of 97 touchdowns as teammates stood as the college football record until 2005. Both were multi-sport stars, as well, with both starring on the West Point track team and Davis also playing baseball and basketball.
But it was on November 11, 1944, that they reached the peak of their powers. Against a still-good Notre Dame team, Blanchard and Davis completely dominated in every aspect of the game. It was no fluke, either; the 1944 Army team was ran roughshod over the its opponents, giving up only 35 points all season and scoring at least 46 points in seven of their nine games. The 1944-45 Army teams are still considered among the best in college football history, due largely to the presence of Mr. Inside and Mr. Outside.
So wrote Notre Dame Ed McKeever on his way back from New York in 1944. There's no wonder he was in awe: His fifth-ranked Notre Dame team had just been humiliated by top-ranked Army, 59-0, led by one of the most prolific duos in college football history.
Felix "Doc" Blanchard and Glenn Davis played together at West Point from 1944-1946. During that time, Army went 27-0-1, the only blemish being a 0-0 tie against Notre Dame in 1946. Army did have an athletic advantage during this era - most college football teams had greatly reduced rosters during the height of the war, while all the best athletes were suiting up for the service acadamies - but it was Blanchard and Davis that gave them the true advantage.
Blanchard, the fullback, was known as "Mr. Inside," punishing opponents with straight-ahead runs that couldn't be stopped. Blanchard would win the Heisman Trophy in 1945 and ended his Army career with 38 touchdowns.
Davis, though, was even more prolific. "Mr. Outside" would win the Heisman in 1946 and finished his career with 59 touchdowns, averaging a still-standing record of 8.3 yards per carry during his career. In 1945, he averaged 11.5 yards per rush, a single-season record - and remember, his teammate Blanchard won the Heisman that year, not Davis.
Blanchard and Davis combined total of 97 touchdowns as teammates stood as the college football record until 2005. Both were multi-sport stars, as well, with both starring on the West Point track team and Davis also playing baseball and basketball.
But it was on November 11, 1944, that they reached the peak of their powers. Against a still-good Notre Dame team, Blanchard and Davis completely dominated in every aspect of the game. It was no fluke, either; the 1944 Army team was ran roughshod over the its opponents, giving up only 35 points all season and scoring at least 46 points in seven of their nine games. The 1944-45 Army teams are still considered among the best in college football history, due largely to the presence of Mr. Inside and Mr. Outside.
Wednesday, November 10, 2010
November 10, 1928: For the Gipper
BRONX, N.Y. - George Gipp was one of the greatest college football players in the early years of the 20th Century. Joining the Notre Dame football team despite having never played the game before, he went on to lead the Irish in passing and rushing in each of his final three seasons. His career rushing mark was the Notre Dame school record until 1978. He also led the team in punting and was their star defensive back, allegedly never allowing a completed pass in his territory.
During Gipp's career, Notre Dame went 27-2-3, including a 19-0-1 mark in his final 20 games. At the end of the 1920 season, he was named Notre Dame's first consensus All-American.
For all his greatness, though, Gipp is remembered more for events that happened after his career ended. On December 14, 1920, just a few days after leading Notre Dame to a victory over Northwestern, Gipp died of strep throat. It was while the 25-year-old was on his death bed that his legend began to grow. The day before he died, Gipp is reported to said this to his coach, Knute Rockne: "I've got to go, Rock. It's all right. I'm not afraid. Some time, Rock, when the team is up against it, when things are wrong and the breaks are beating the boys - tell them to go in there with all they've got and win just one for the Gipper. I don't know where I'll be then, Rock. But I'll know about it, and I'll be happy."
Rockne held that memory in the back of his mind for eight years, before finally breaking it out when Notre Dame traveled to play Army on November 10, 1928. The Irish had already lost two games that year and were fighting many injuries when they went up against the unbeaten Army team. Before the game, Rockne played his trump card: "The day before he died, George Gipp asked me to wait until the situation seemed hopeless, then ask a Notre Dame team to go out and beat Army for him. This is the day, and you are the team."
Inspired, Notre Dame played its best game of the season. After Jack Chevigny scored their first touchdown in the second half, he said "This one's for the Gipper." Notre Dame scored twice in the second half to stun Army 12-6. They had won one for the Gipper.
But George Gipp's inspiration didn't stop there. In 1940, a young Ronald Reagan played Gipp in Knute Rockne, All American. After playing the role, Reagan was known as The Gipper for the rest of his life. He used that nickname to his advantage, using it in his political slogans as he ran for office. At the 1988 Republican National Convention, Reagan encouraged George H.W. Bush to win the upcoming election by telling him to "win one for the Gipper." The line was used again by Bush's son, George W. Bush, who when running for reelection in 2004 shortly after Reagan's death, said it was time to win one more for the Gipper.
George Gipp probably didn't intend for his name to be used to inspire future politicians when running for office - he just wanted to help Notre Dame win a game after he was gone. It's very likely, too, that Reagan and both Bushes would have been elected without using his name. But because of his connection to Reagan, Gipp left a legacy far beyond what he did on the football field.
During Gipp's career, Notre Dame went 27-2-3, including a 19-0-1 mark in his final 20 games. At the end of the 1920 season, he was named Notre Dame's first consensus All-American.
For all his greatness, though, Gipp is remembered more for events that happened after his career ended. On December 14, 1920, just a few days after leading Notre Dame to a victory over Northwestern, Gipp died of strep throat. It was while the 25-year-old was on his death bed that his legend began to grow. The day before he died, Gipp is reported to said this to his coach, Knute Rockne: "I've got to go, Rock. It's all right. I'm not afraid. Some time, Rock, when the team is up against it, when things are wrong and the breaks are beating the boys - tell them to go in there with all they've got and win just one for the Gipper. I don't know where I'll be then, Rock. But I'll know about it, and I'll be happy."
Rockne held that memory in the back of his mind for eight years, before finally breaking it out when Notre Dame traveled to play Army on November 10, 1928. The Irish had already lost two games that year and were fighting many injuries when they went up against the unbeaten Army team. Before the game, Rockne played his trump card: "The day before he died, George Gipp asked me to wait until the situation seemed hopeless, then ask a Notre Dame team to go out and beat Army for him. This is the day, and you are the team."
Inspired, Notre Dame played its best game of the season. After Jack Chevigny scored their first touchdown in the second half, he said "This one's for the Gipper." Notre Dame scored twice in the second half to stun Army 12-6. They had won one for the Gipper.
But George Gipp's inspiration didn't stop there. In 1940, a young Ronald Reagan played Gipp in Knute Rockne, All American. After playing the role, Reagan was known as The Gipper for the rest of his life. He used that nickname to his advantage, using it in his political slogans as he ran for office. At the 1988 Republican National Convention, Reagan encouraged George H.W. Bush to win the upcoming election by telling him to "win one for the Gipper." The line was used again by Bush's son, George W. Bush, who when running for reelection in 2004 shortly after Reagan's death, said it was time to win one more for the Gipper.
George Gipp probably didn't intend for his name to be used to inspire future politicians when running for office - he just wanted to help Notre Dame win a game after he was gone. It's very likely, too, that Reagan and both Bushes would have been elected without using his name. But because of his connection to Reagan, Gipp left a legacy far beyond what he did on the football field.
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